The success of similar ventures in Punjab, Mizoram and partially in Darjeeling provides a large bank of experience. A step-by-step approach is a practical solution which can be adopted. Based on joint security assessment, return of the army to the barracks could be undertaken. The indicators for defining such areas are most significantly the number and type of incidents and commitment of the local administration to guarantee people’s security.

There is no dearth of security expertise either at the level of the state or the Centre to make such an assessment. The proposed three-panel system appears an ideal measure but should be broadbased to include army representatives. This would ensure inclusion of opinion from all spectrums and result in softening of stands leading to greater flexibility. The main fears of the Armed Forces no doubt arise from the prospects of redeployment in areas from where they have been withdrawn. While hard infrastructure may be easy to establish, it is the soft linkages comprising local sympathisers which are difficult to reinvigorate. However, effective assessments will help greatly to address this concern.